CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to soil and crop analysis and, more specifically,
to a visual information system for accessing pertinent information and features present
in a specified area scheduled for the application of agricultural chemicals or for
the cultivating of genetically modified crops.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Agricultural products, including those applied to soil and/or crops such as granular
crop protection chemicals, are used to control insects, mites, and nematodes that
can damage crops. These agricultural chemicals are typically water soluble and, therefore,
care should be taken to prevent the chemicals from leaching into groundwater. In most
cases, these conventional crop protection chemicals rapidly decompose into harmless
residues in the environment after application. However, a combination of sandy and
acidic soil conditions can reduce the degradation of the chemicals and allow the movement
of some of the chemicals into the groundwater if care is not taken during application.
[0004] To protect groundwater supplies used for human drinking water, these agricultural
chemicals are typically not applied within fifty feet of drinking water wells. The
state of Florida has more restrictive setback requirements which prevent some of these
chemicals from being applied within three hundred feet of any drinking water well.
In addition, Florida also mandates that some products cannot be used on citrus plants
within one thousand feet of a drinking water well when certain "vulnerable" soil types
are present unless a set of well construction parameters have been met and documented.
Vulnerable soil types are those in which agricultural chemicals may move more easily
to the groundwater. These vulnerable soils are identified and mapped by the U.S.D.A.
Soil Conservation Service.
[0005] It is the responsibility of the applicator to determine where the agricultural product
can or cannot be applied. In Florida, a number of "application monitors" work with
professional applicators to determine where the agricultural chemicals can be applied.
The process involves the grower, the professional applicator (who could be the same
person), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (the "State"),
and the soil application monitor. Typically, the grower requests the application of
certain agricultural chemicals in a designated area. The State assigns a permit number
and the application monitor inspects the site and marks any required setbacks from
drinking water wells. As used herein, the terms "setback" or "buffer" refer to the
distance from an object, such as a well, within which agricultural chemicals should
not be applied. For wells, the setback distance depends upon the well construction
and the type of soil. The purchase and application of the agricultural chemicals is
approved and the chemicals are applied by the applicator. In the past, the records
and data used by the application monitor to determine the setback areas were written
documents that had to be handled manually.
[0006] Genetically modified crops provide various solutions to agricultural efficiency,
resulting in increased yields and lower prices. Modified crops also provide solutions
to disease, climate change and undesirable soil conditions. For example, the introduction
of genetically modified soybeans with increased tolerance for herbicides has made
it easier and more profitable for farmers to grow the crop. As recent as 2010, genetically
modified crops were grown by 15.4 million farmers on as many as 360 million acres
throughout the world. Due to concerns about genetically modified crops, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) have created a regulatory scheme that is difficult for farmers
and others to navigate. The USDA is concerned with modified crops becoming weeds and
the EPA regulates genetically modified crops having pesticide-like properties. Further,
state and local governments can prohibit the use of such crops and, possibly, create
additional regulations.
[0007] Given the numerous regulations regarding genetically modified crops, farmers and
other individuals are burdened with the task of compliance. For example, the USDA
requires a buffer zone around plots of genetically modified crops to ensure that cross-pollination
with other species does not occur. These buffers, defining the allowable plots on
which modified crops can be grown, must be considered by farmers when planning their
growing season. Staying compliant with these types of regulations requires farmers
and others to survey their land, often requiring access to information regarding surrounding
crops, ground water and other resources. The buffer zones for genetically modified
crops require monitoring to ensure that the crop does not extend past the designated
area. Field surveys are generally used to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Surveyors/inspectors, who are required to carry many devices and tools into the field,
must create a full report for each inspected field. This process is inefficient and
requires work to be repeated and for the surveyors to travel often.
[0008] In addition to concerns over ground water, state and federal laws also regulate areas
populated with endangered species. These laws create buffer zones adjacent to streams,
rivers, wetlands and floodplain habitats to protect certain endangered species. These
buffer zones define specific sensitive areas that are difficult for farmers and others
to survey and plot.
[0009] Thus, there is a need for a system that can run on a portable computer or other mobile
device to provide real-time data to application monitors when they are in the field.
There is also a need for a system that reduces the time required for application monitors
to perform their tasks and provides information useful for real-time decision making
by the application monitors in the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Generally, provided is a system, method, and computer program product for providing
and/or interacting with visual crop data that addresses or overcomes some or all of
the deficiencies and drawbacks associated with existing systems.
[0011] According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,
provided is a system for providing visual crop data to a mobile device, the system
comprising at least one server computer in communication with a mobile device, the
at least one server computer configured to: receive, from the mobile device, location
data relating to a geographical position of the mobile device; retrieve, from at least
one topographical data source, topographical data associated with at least a portion
of the location data; generate shape data based at least partially on the topographical
data; and transmit at least a portion of the shape data to the mobile device, such
that at least one shape is visually displayed on at least a portion of a map image
displayed on the mobile device, wherein the at least one shape is based at least partially
on the at least a portion of the shape data.
[0012] According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,
provided 1s a computer program product comprising at least one computer- readable
medium, the computer-readable medium comprising a program which, when executed by
a device having a processor and at least one display unit, causes the device to: transmit
location data to at least one host, the location data representing a geographic location;
receive shape data representing at least one shape, the at least one shape at least
partially corresponding to at least one specific region, wherein at least a portion
of the at least one specific region is included in at least a portion of a geographic
region; and display, in combination with a visual representation of at least a portion
of a geographic region active within the at least one display unit, at least a portion
of the at least one shape.
[0013] According to a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,
provided is a computer-implemented method performed on at least one computer system
including at least one processor, the method comprising: receiving, from a mobile
device, location data relating to a geographical position of the mobile device; identifying
topographical data relating at least partially to the geographical position; and transmitting,
to the mobile device, map data and shape data, wherein the map data allows the mobile
device to display a visual image representing a geographical region at least partially
corresponding to the geographical position, and wherein the shape data is configured
to cause the mobile device to display at least one shape representing at least a portion
of at least one specified area, and wherein the geographical region at least partially
comprises the at least a portion of the at least one specified area.
[0014] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as
the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the
combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings,
all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,
that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are
not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification,
the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015]
FIGS. Ia and Ib are block diagrams of a visual information system according to the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram of computers used in exemplary computing systems of the present
invention;
FIG. 3a is a view of a mobile computer interface providing topographical views of
soils rendered from data of the visual information mapping system according to principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 3b is a view of a mobile computer interface providing topographical views of
soils rendered from data of the visual information system, such that soil information
is seen superimposed on top of land information, according to the principles of the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a view of a mobile computer interface providing topographical views in and
around a crop surrounded by a buffer area of the visual information mapping system
according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a view of a mobile computer interface providing topographical views of soils
rendered from data of the visual information mapping system having a crop represented
by pins according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the calculation of displayable sets of soil mappings according
to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram for a method of calculating a buffer to be rendered about
a shape polygon according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a view of a database table storing soil data according to the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a view of a database table storing soil shape data according to the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a view of a database table storing well data according to the principles
of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a view of a database table storing grove data according to the principles
of the present invention; and
FIG. 12 is a view of a database table storing application monitor data according to
the principles of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] For purposes of the description hereinafter, it is to be understood that the specific
systems, processes, functions, and modules illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
invention. Hence, specific characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein
are not to be considered as limiting. Further, it is to be understood that the invention
may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly
specified to the contrary.
[0017] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as network
structures, data structures, computing devices, and program instructions to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the art will
recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the
specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other
instances, well- known structures, materials, methods or operations are not shown
or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. Ia, a visual information system 1 for monitoring crops is shown
according to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The
system includes a host module 2 for providing web pages or other forms of content
to client computers, such as mobile computers 4. Various forms of data are provided
in a streaming format from the host module 2 to the mobile computer 4, based at least
partially on the location and/or movement of the mobile computer 4, or actions taken
on the mobile computer 4 by a user (e.g., an application monitor, field personnel,
farmers, or other individuals).
[0019] The mobile computer 4 may be used by an application monitor or other field personnel
during examination of a crop such as, for example, citrus groves, in order to provide
for the application of agricultural chemicals, the planting of genetically modified
crops, or other activities, in accordance with recommended procedures. The visual
information system 1 provides targeted mapping information by calculating soil information
in a selected area. By targeting information to a selected area, the system 1 reduces
the bandwidth requirements necessary to provide the mobile device 4 with the data
that it needs. It is to be understood that the mobile computer 4 of the visual information
system 1 is not limited for use by application monitors. Other users, such as marketing
managers, sales personnel, product managers, applicators, or other individuals, could
also use the system 1.
[0020] With continued reference to FIG. Ia, the host module 2 is in communication with an
XML conversion module 3, a shape determination module 5, and external data sources
such as a topographical data source 10. The host module 2 is also in communication
with a network environment 7, such as the internet or some other form of communications
network. Mobile devices 4 are in communication with the network 7 and with one or
more GPS satellites 8. The host module 2 and/or the mobile devices 4, may access other
external data sources, such as a map image service 9, to provide satellite image data
or other features.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. Ib, a further view of the visual information system 1 for monitoring
crops is shown according to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention. The host module 2 is in communication with shape file database 11, which
contains individual shape files 12. The host module 2 is also in communication with
external data sources, such as a topographical data source 10 and a map image service
9. A mobile device 4 is in communication with the host module 2 and the map image
service 9. The mobile device 4 includes an interface 300. The interface 300 displays
soil shapes 14a and 14b, which correspond to one or more shape files 12.
[0022] A mobile device 4, as used herein, refers to a computing device with communication
capabilities. Mobile devices 4 may include, for example, tablet and laptop computers,
mobile phones, electronic devices specially designed for use with the system, or any
other like computing device.
[0023] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the mobile
device 4 may be provided with a mobility application that communicates with the host
module 2. A "mobility application" is understood to be a computer program running
on a mobile device and may include, for example, standalone applications, interactive
webpages, or other types of computer programs and/or compiled program instructions.
The map information displayed on the mobile device 4 may be a subset of map information
provided by the map image service 9, a mapping host, or otherwise provided by the
host module 2. The map image service 9 or the mapping host determines hosted map information
from position coordinates supplied by the mobility application, or indirectly through
the host module 2, and transmits a limited set of map information to the mobile device
4. The mobility application allows viewing of the map information on the mobile device.
[0024] The map information may include the visualization of topological information for
a region, retrieved from a topographical data source 10 or other data source. The
topological information may include, for example, features of interest (e.g., drinking
water wells, animal nests, endangered species habitats, other crops, and the like)
and buffer areas (i.e., setback distances) around these features. The buffer areas
define regions around features of interest, a crop region, or other shapes and/or
features within which the application of agricultural chemicals, the planting of genetically
modified crops, or other activities, are to be avoided. Intersecting buffer areas
provide suspect regions, which may also be visualized on the mobile device 4 through
the mobility application.
[0025] The mobility application electronically reports coordinates, which may change as
the position of the mobile device 4 changes. The map information data changes as the
coordinates of the mobile device 4 change, such that the host module 2 transmits new
map information data in response to the changes in coordinates. The coordinates may
be reported in real-time. The mobility application may be used by field personnel,
application monitors, or other users, to assist in detecting regions where the application
of agricultural chemicals and genetically modified crops, as examples, are to be avoided.
The detected regions may be transmitted to an applicator system or other entity.
[0026] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the visual information system 1 shown
in FIGS. Ia and Ib creates and/or processes mapping data (e.g., topographical data
or other data) for transmission to the mobile device 4. For example, the host module
2 may calculate a subset of spatial data based upon an area, such as a crop or grove.
The subset of spatial data is then overlaid on a map of the area. This combination
of spatial data combined with a map provides the application monitor with a useful
visualization of an area and allows the application monitor to view relevant information,
such as drinking water wells, water sources, species, groves, crop regions, and/or
soil regions in relation to the topographical features of the area. The visual information
system 1 may use different methods to preprocess spatial files to find desired data.
These techniques may be used to determine an area for which shape file 12 is needed.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. Ia and Ib, system 1 may be configured to create shape files
12 by converting spatial files that are received from an external data source, such
as a topographical data source 10 (e.g., a Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
server or other spatial files archives local or external to the system). For example,
the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database provides detailed soil geographic data
about soil types in the United States, by county. However, these spatial files can
be extensive. For example, in Polk County, Florida, the spatial files include approximately
27,000 files. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the spatial files retrieved
by the system 1 may be converted to Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files 6 using an
Extensible Markup Language (XML) conversion module 3.
[0028] The XML conversion module 3 takes, as input, spatial data or other relevant data
and creates and outputs XML-formatted data and, specifically, KML data. KML files
6 are used to specify a set of features, such as place marks, images, polygons, 3D
models, or textual descriptions for display in Google Earth, a mobility application,
or any other 3D Earth browser (e.g., geobrowser) implementing KML encoding. Each entry
has a longitude and latitude, and data to make the view more specific such as, for
example, tilt, heading, and altitude, which together define a "camera view". The KML
data 6 may represent spatial files converted to latitude and longitude coordinates.
KML files 6 are then separated into individual shape files 12.
[0029] With continued reference to FIGS. Ia and Ib, the KML files 6 are formed into shape
files 12 by the shape determination module 5, which may then be stored in a shape
files database 11. The shape determination module 5 accepts, as input, one or more
KML files 6 and outputs, to the host module 2, shape file database 11, or directly
to the mobile computer 4, shape files. From the shape files database 11 or shape determination
module 5, individual shape files 12 are created. A shape file 12 is information about
one individual shape on the map. Shape files 12 may be latitude and longitude based.
For example, one shape file 12 may describe a shaped polygon of soil 14a within coordinates
on a map 13 representing the shape of a particular soil type within a number of other
soil types for a particular area of interest. The data includes information describing
the geological structure of the area. These individual shape files 12 may be dynamically
chosen by specifying the maximum distance to a latitude/longitude point, as discussed
below. In one embodiment, the mobility application on the mobile computer 4 can process
the subsets of data and display the data on mobile devices 4 carried by field application
monitors.
[0030] The shape files 12 may include information regarding soil types and may be designated
as "vulnerable" when the soil is considered a type through which crop protection chemicals
can more easily travel or permeate. In one embodiment, any soil, or group of soils,
may be marked as vulnerable or given another identifier to distinguish such soils
from other soils.
[0031] The shape files database 11 may be queried by the host module 2 for particular shape
files 12 defining objects within an area. Only a small subset of shape files 12 will
then be provided to the mobile computer 4 based on the designated area. For example,
if an application monitor is checking chemical treatment in a particular grove, the
host module 2 may provide only data within a specific radius of the grove. In one
embodiment, this radius may be defined based on the geographical center of the grove.
The host module 2 may then determine the objects within the designated radius of the
selected area and only send those shape files 12 defining those objects. This subset
of information may be part of a county map, multiple county maps, one block of a county
map, or only data within the active range of the application monitor. The end result
is a subset of a larger set of map data that shows only the area of interest. The
amount of data needed can be thus filtered down to a range of 100kb - 100mb of data,
as an example.
[0032] With continuing reference to FIGS. Ia and Ib, in addition to individual shape files
12, the host module 2 may have access to other information, stored in a database 15
or some other form of data structure, for the visual information system 1. For example,
state and session information useful for field personnel (such as application monitors)
may be stored in a database 15. Examples of such information may include soil type
data, soil shape data, well data, grove data, and monitor data.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 8, shown is an example soil type table that may be stored in
a database 15 and made accessible to the host module 2 (not shown) according to one
preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The information in
FIG. 8 is regarding Hillsborough County. The soil numbers are specific to the county
and are used by the system as a cross-reference to determine soil names. For example,
when the host module 2 is using a particular shape file 12, the system may use the
soil type table to look-up an identifier for a certain soil type.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 9, shown is a table of data representing an individual shape
according to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. As
represented by the data in FIG. 9, a shape file may include many points that are used
to form a particular shape. FIG. 10 depicts a table of data representing ground water
wells stored in the system. FIG. 11 depicts a table of data representing crops (e.g.,
groves) where a farmer or applicator is ready to apply an agricultural chemical, i.e.,
crops that are ready to be monitored by the system. FIG. 12 depicts a table of application
monitor data representative of data collected by an application monitor while in the
field. It will be appreciated that many different types of data, stored in a variety
of different data structures, may be utilized.
[0035] During operation, the host module 2 enters a session with an application monitor's
mobile computer 4. The session includes messages such as, for example, HTTP requests
and responses in back and forth communication during a session. In addition, asynchronously
to the session, updates are continuously sent from the application monitor's mobile
computer 4 to the host module 2 and are stored in a database 15. Updates transmitted
to the visual information system 1 define the actions taken by the application monitor
on the mobile computer 4. The updates can be used to reproduce a session or for auditing
an application monitor's crop survey.
[0036] In one embodiment, to facilitate login, the mobile computer 4 may provide a login
screen having a list of the names of approved application monitors that may be selected
to authenticate an authorized user. Once the application monitor is authenticated,
a crop may be selected to observe. The application monitor may then survey the crop
using the mobile computer 4. For example, as the application monitor moves about a
grove, the location of the mobile device 4 is tracked by a GPS sensor in the computer
4 that is in communication with a GPS satellite 8. The visual information system 1
synchronizes the GPS location of the application monitor every several seconds, or
at other predetermined intervals.
[0037] The visual information system 1 may be used by an application monitor to determine
where the application of agricultural chemicals should be allowed and where the application
should be avoided. A system of buffers, or "setbacks", facilitates finding these restricted
areas. In one embodiment for citrus groves, a buffer is determined and is rendered
around the grove by using shape files 12. The host module 2 calculates points forming
a buffer surrounding the grove. Each point in the buffer is calculated to be 300 ft.
from a point m the grove and the buffer defines an outer polygon representing 300
ft. from the inner polygon representing the grove. An application monitor can use
this representation to narrow their focus to points in the restricted zone. If application
monitors find a feature of interest, such as a ground water well, within the buffer
zone, they can alter the application of agricultural chemicals to avoid that feature.
It is to be understood that the invention could use any buffer size.
[0038] Additionally, the host module 2 may provide a variable buffer having a variable setback
distance. For example, the system can calculate the wind speed (using a wind speed
sensor) and provide the information to dynamically morph the buffer polygon to ensure
that the agricultural chemicals are kept at the correct distance from a particular
feature. A buffer may be used around any desired object in the system. Finding any
intersecting grove buffers and well buffers, farmers and applicators are provided
with areas where the agricultural chemicals, genetically modified crops, or other
activities, should not be applied. Using the visual information system 1, map and
geologic data can be displayed simultaneously and in real-time.
[0039] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, buffers are used to
determine the correct distance from wildlife habitats that restricts the areas to
which agricultural chemicals can be applied. This functionality may use government
or other databases to identify habitats of threatened or endangered species in relation
to the land used for crops. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,
the visual information system may be used by an application monitor to determine where
the planting of genetically modified crops should be allowed and where such crops
should be avoided.
[0040] The visual information system 1 provides a workflow, such as showing prior visited
locations of a particular application monitor. The system 1 may provide information
regarding which application monitors are authenticated (authorized) to access the
visual information system and can show their previous activity in the field. In this
way, managers can view the progress for specific crops or application monitors, and
mobile computers 4 can be used to add information in the field for the application
monitors to view. This workflow helps setting up certain groundwater well constructions,
and other features, which require setback distances.
[0041] Initially, a setback distance may not exist for groundwater wells in the system.
The application monitor may be enabled to input information about the well into the
system. In some embodiments, the system may be programmed to use a default setback
for groundwater wells, or other features, that are not already associated with setback
distances. Pictures of the well or any landmark surveyed or observed may be included
in the input information. A manager can view the pictures to provide feedback either
into the system or directly to an application monitor at a location, such as to determine
if a particular groundwater well qualifies for a lesser (i.e., shorter) setback. The
visual information system 1 can provide mobile computers 4 with supervisory and validation
capability. The storage of movements and actions in the system provides audit capability
as to who changed information in the system and when. The visual information system
1 may also be configured to calculate how many bushels per acre a certain crop will
produce, using various types of soil data and other relevant data. This information
can be used to determine what an estimated cost associated with not using a particular
product application on the area would be.
[0042] With continued reference to FIGS. Ia and Ib, the mobile computer 4 captures movement
data. As movement of the mobile computer 4 occurs, updates of positions are sent to
the host module 2 and are stored in the database 15. The GPS location of the application
monitor's computer 4 can be provided every several seconds. It is to be understood
that any time interval can be used in order to provide information to the host module
2. In one embodiment, this movement information may be stored and used to recreate
a session.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3a, a mobile computer interface 300 of the visual information
system is shown according to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment. The interface
300 may be used to observe a crop. On the interface 300, a map shows an area of land
and various soil shapes. The system 1 also can provide a hybrid map having the mapping
information shown in FIG. 3a mixed with satellite imagery. In this example, the visual
information system is used for the survey of groves. A grove 302 is delineated by
a set of tags 304a - 304d. A grove can have any number of tags outlining the polygon
forming the grove. It will be appreciated that any type of crop area or other region
may be delineated by a set of tags in the context of the system.
[0044] With continued reference to FIG. 3a, shown is a particular area and grove region.
The visual information system 1 provides the application monitor with a graphical
view of soil types surrounding the water wells or other features and/or regions. The
map layer of the mobile computer interface 300 shows the soil types, represented by
different shades or other visual indications. In one non-limiting embodiment, the
mobile computer interface 300 provides functions to tag a soil shape with a name and
identity, and store the soil data in a database 15 in communication with the host
module 2.
[0045] With continuing reference to FIG. 3a, the mobile computer interface 300 may include
a movable, customizable menu 306 having a set of icons surrounding a scope 308. The
menu 306 shown is a context menu. The menu 306 provides application monitors the capabilities
they need to enable proper chemical applications, and also maximizes effective space
on the mobile computer interface 300 to show maps and information about crops. In
a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the menu 306 may be moved around the map
either manually or automatically. The scope 308 may focus on specified areas in the
map. When the mobile computer moves the scope 308, sub-menus may move with it. The
menu 306 and scope 308 may also move automatically in response to the movement of
the mobile computer and the application monitor in the field. As the mobile computer
4 moves, the location of the mobile computer is tracked by a GPS sensor in the device
and the viewable area and map automatically update to correspond to the movement of
the mobile computer 4.
[0046] The interface 300 may display various types of data to a user of the mobile device
4 such as soil and land condition data. Such data may include, for example, pH balance,
texture, density, slope, composition, salinity, and the like. This data may be obtained
from numerous databases, external or internal to the system 1 that may be local, national
or global in scale. One such database is the Harmonized World Soil Database, which
provides a global resource for soil information indexed by longitude and latitude
coordinates. The mobile device 4 may display a topographical view of soil information
retrieved from such databases, such that the information is mapped out according to
location and indexed through a graphical user interface.
[0047] One type of setback is an area surrounding a water well. A drinking water well can
be indicated on the map using various visual techniques, such as different colors,
highlights, shades, pinpoints, or cross hatches, and is associated with a particular
setback distance range. The mobile computer interface 300 may have a highlighted area
indicating the water wells in a plan of the area. The well information may be stored
as shape files 12 and may be used in later surveys of an area. Water well depth from
past surveys may be used to formulate a setback distance based on the depth of the
well.
[0048] Each icon of the menu 306 may be programmed to perform a particular function. The
menu 306 may also be programmed to include a hierarchical set of menus, each level
having a set of icons corresponding to various functions such as, for example, a "best
crop" function. As an example, icon 315 may provide a search window or function. Icon
316 is a joystick on/off button to provide a joystick window for moving objects. The
joystick can be operable to move a scope. The joystick can provide the application
monitor flexibility in order to fine tune the coordinates on the map. The joystick
moves the scope and then converts the scope x and y screen location to latitude and
longitude based on a zoom level of the map. The visual information system 1 can use
the outer bounds of the map and the zoom level. The zoom level can be determined from
map data.
[0049] Icon 317 may provide access to a crop sub-menu that provides functions relating to
a crop, such as a grove. The crop sub-menu may provide users icons having the functionality
to add pins, wells, houses, and other points of interest, as examples. A point of
interest may define a point that needs to have further investigation for any reason.
A pin may be plotted on the map for indicating that the application monitor should
further review this area. A pin represents a coordinate, having a specific latitude
and longitude. The grove menu may also provide document management for the groves.
The managed documents are associated with particular groves, and may provide access
to documents with specific information, such as product applications, pictures, and
checklists.
[0050] The crop sub-menu may further provide functions to visually display soil information
using a switch or other means to turn soil information on and off. With reference
to FIG. 3b, the soil information of FIG. 3a is shown superimposed on corresponding
land information including, for example, satellite imagery, road maps, and various
topographical features. Crop (i.e., grove) information is also shown. Soils and vulnerable
soils may be displayed, and an information pop-up window may show all the information
that the system stores about a soil shape. The crop sub-menu may also provide a function
to display a buffer zone and the area of the buffer as calculated in the system. In
addition, the crop acreage can be displayed.
[0051] With continued reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, icon 318 provides a mapping function
sub-menu. The mapping sub-menu may provide a zoom function to zoom-in or zoom-out
to the center of the current scope location. In addition, the visual information system
offers a crop zoom function, which zooms to the center of the selected grove or crop.
The visual information system may further provide a zoom for focusing on the current
location of the mobile computer 4, although tracking may be required to be on in order
to use this zoom function. The map sub-menu also shows a selection of map types. For
example, different map types, such as hybrid or road maps, may be made available.
A function may also be provided to center the crops on the interface 300. A tracking
function may provide the position of the mobile computer 4 in relation to the current
map view. In tracking mode, as the device 4 moves around, a visual representation,
such as a dot, may be displayed on the mobile computer interface 300 and move on the
map in correspondence to the movement of the device 4 within the crop region. An application
monitor can use this function to follow their path on the displayed map in relation
to their surroundings.
[0052] Icon 319 may provide a measurement menu to add points to the map data and to modify
the same. The measurement menu may also show driving directions to a point, with the
system defaulting to a current location in the grove. A function for distance measuring
provides a distance from point 'A' to point 'B'. The points may be plotted on the
map with the joystick to determine or visually indicate how far apart they actually
are. The menu may also provide a crop designer mode to provide a reset of crop points
to start a new crop location from scratch. This functionality may be used when an
application monitor finds additional crops in an area and needs to create a crop location
as they are surveying.
[0053] The menu 306 may further include icon 320 for an address on/off function. The address
on/off function may find the nearest house, residence, or other location, to a particular
point indicated with an input device, such as a mouse or touchscreen, and display
on the map the exact location of the address. Icon 321 may provide functions to "jump"
to (i.e., go directly to) an input address. Icon 322 is an information on/off function
for displaying information from point-to-point on a map of the visual information
system 1.
[0054] A number of different soil types are represented in FIG. 3a by the shaded shapes
rendered on the interface 300. For example, soil shape 312a is shown having a shade
unique to that particular shape and can be distinguished from soil shape 312b, which
is provided with a completely different shade. The types of soil are represented by
different colors, different shades of grey, or different patterns. However, one skilled
in the art will recognize that other patterns, methods, or representations could be
used to indicate different types of soil. The scope 308 may be used to highlight different
soils and activate a soil information pop-up window 314 corresponding to a particular
soil shape 313. As shown, soil 313 is of the type Hillsborough with the description
"Soil# 47 Seffner fine sand."
[0055] With reference to FIG. 4, a mobile computer interface 400 displays a visual map including
a crop region (e.g., grove region) 402. The crop region 402 is shown surrounded by
a buffer (e.g. setback) 404. In addition, a point marking a well 406 is shown. The
well 406 has a setback region 408 surrounding it. A menu 410 is also displayed on
this screen, having functions as discussed above. In addition, with continued reference
to FIG. 4, a line segment 412 formed from points A to B can be used to measure the
distance from point A to point B. In this example, the line segment 412 has a distance
of 945 feet, as shown in the distance box 414. Finally, groundwater wells 416 and
418 are shown, each having respective setback regions 420 and 422. In one embodiment,
the setback distance can be adjusted based on the soil type or other specific objects
in the area.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 5, a mobile computer interface 500 having a crop region 502
is shown according to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.
The crop region 502 is formed of points as represented by location pins 504a - 504d.
The location pins 504a-504d provide a specific latitude and longitude. An example
of a groundwater well 506 is seen outside the crop region 502 formed from location
pins 504a - 504d having a setback buffer region 508 of 1000 ft. In addition, a groundwater
well 510 is shown having a setback 512 of 100 feet. The groundwater well 510 appears
to belong to the house 514. The groundwater well 516, having a setback buffer 518
of 100 ft., appears to belong to the adjacent house 520. The well 522 does not appear
to be adjacent to a house or be associated with a setback buffer. The line 524, formed
of point A to point B, has a distance of 2,208 feet, as shown in the distance box
526.
[0057] The application monitor reviews the areas where the buffer areas of the groundwater
wells intersect the buffer area of the grove. This is an area where application of
agricultural products may be controlled. To control application, the application monitor
can identify points by using flags where the application should stop. The flags will
indicate to the farmer or applicator that treatment should stop when this area is
reached. In addition, the automatic application of agricultural chemicals and other
treatments can be controlled using positioning coordinates provided directly to automatic
applicator equipment.
[0058] The present invention also includes a method of using the visual information system.
A mobile computer is provided having a splash (e.g., introduction) screen showing
information and a login activation section. The login section may provide selectable
application monitor names or a text box for authenticating a user. In one preferred
and non- limiting embodiment, the splash screen may also provide driving directions
from a current location or specified address to a selected crop region. Once authenticated,
a crop region is either created or opened. In crop designer mode, the user can create
a new crop region by plotting the points of the crop they are surveying. For example,
an application monitor could walk around the parameter of a grove and use the visual
information system 1 to send points from the mobile computer 4 to the host module
2. In addition, points can be configured directly from the screen, such as using the
joystick to move the scope 308, or positioning the scope by selecting the inside of
a polygon in the mobile computer interface 300 of the mobile application.
[0059] Alternatively, the application monitor could open a previously stored crop region.
When a crop region is selected, the soil shape files 12 are transmitted to the application
monitor's mobile computer 4 from the host module 2. The shape files 12 are displayed
for a particular distance (e.g., 3 mile radius) around the selected crop region. If
there is a disruption, the visual information system may refresh the map automatically.
It is to be understood that distances provided for setbacks, buffers, and active areas
are characteristics of certain embodiments and may be configured to address different
locations, crops, soils, or other features relating to land.
[0060] In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the visual information system 1 may
provide an edit mode. In edit mode, the user may be enabled to tag objects in the
display which they find during their survey. For example, groves, wells, or other
features relating to the land, may be indicated by pins. The visual system 1 may include
an information window, which has information about a grove. If that information is
found to be incorrect, the system allows the user to edit the information.
[0061] When in edit mode, the menus and scope may be freely moved by using a touch screen,
or other input device, to drag and drop. The screen may be placed in locked mode and
the joy stick may be used to move pins without touching the screen. After the application
monitor has entered all of the crop information, and the user exits the edit mode,
the user may be prompted to save the information to a database 15 in communication
with the host module 2.
[0062] As the application monitor surveys the crop region, the visual information system
1 may provide a checklist menu to list items the application monitor should survey,
such as possible groundwater wells near the area of the crop region's buffer.
[0063] The visual information system may be used to check and color code houses in the area.
House information may be mapped based on a tax records database, for example. The
system may use external information or data sources, such as Google, to display houses
or other related information automatically.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 4, the application monitor may observe the area defined by
a buffer 404 surrounding a crop region 402. The crop buffer has rounded corners to
show the actual buffer distance relative to the corners of the crop region 402. A
buffer toggle menu may be used to select a buffer distance. The default buffer can
be 1000 ft. However, it should be understood that any desired distance could be used.
For example, 1000 feet can be used, in addition to 100 to 300 feet, to provide the
mobile computer 4 the capability to toggle between each of these buffers. In addition,
any number of buffers may be used in a designated area.
[0065] As the application monitor identifies groundwater wells (such as well 416), the mobile
computer 4 may be used to configure location pins about the groundwater wells and
provide information about the wells. In one embodiment, the wells may be visually
color coded. For example, red may indicate a non-compliant well, and green may indicate
a compliant well. A yellow well may indicate that the well parameters are unknown
(an unknown well may be given a default setback). Buffer distances can be automatically
defined to correspond to compliant and non-compliant wells. Alternatively, the user
can set the buffer distance. It will be appreciated that any number of methods for
indicating or differentiating between wells, or other features, may be used.
[0066] In addition to the previously discussed wells, other types of wells may be used in
the system, including, but not limited to, irrigation wells. Different wells may be
indicated using different colors/shades or other types of visual representations.
The system can indicate waiver wells (i.e., wells with a non-drinking waiver on file)
by using different color markers or other visual indicators. In addition to drinking
water wells, other objects to be avoided may be indicated, such as the location of
animal or insect nests.
[0067] Sometimes, when a survey is conducted, areas of interest are inaccessible. For example,
if a house appears to have a well but the area is closed off, the application monitor
will not be able to enter the area to perform a survey. However, if the application
monitor sees a point of interest on the map provided by the visual information system
and is unable to access the point, they may use the system to show the distance between
any two points, or a current location and a point. In addition, the user can see the
directional bearing between any two points, or a current location and a point. This
functionality provides the application monitor the ability to see the direction of
points on the map. In addition, if the user would like to reference another point
on the map, the application may provide a "jump" function, such as that provided by
icon 321 on FIG. 3a, where the user may type an address and, in response, the application
will jump to the area corresponding to that address.
[0068] As the application monitor surveys the crop region, information gathered may be associated
with that particular crop region. In addition, documents may be associated with a
particular crop region prior to the arrival of the application monitor. For example,
a material safety danger list, which tells the requirements for a chemical, can be
entered into the system with the creation of the grove before the application monitor
begins the survey. This information is accessible via the mobile computer 4 to the
application monitor in the field, should any questions arise as to a particular safety
requirement.
[0069] The application monitor may use the mobile computer 4 to find product restricted
areas. If needed, the application monitor may maximize the screen and follow the setback
buffer to place (e.g., tie or otherwise fix) location markers on the ground following
the line of the setback so that the applicator or farmer can see where the product
application should be stopped. As the markers are placed on the ground, the location
coordinates (latitude and longitude) can be sent to the applicator. A tie button may
be provided on the interface to enable a user to provide different tie types and transmit
a coordinate for each tie location to the host module 2, or some other system. The
system 1 can be used to show the bearing between any two points, or current location
and a point. This is in order to see the direction of the points.
[0070] The visual information system can display, on mobile devices 4, a status for each
crop region in the system, such as "completed", "ready", or "problem". This may indicate
that the system has not been updated or is not finished for that particular crop region.
Information, such as URL encoded information, may be sent via an e-mail having information
regarding the current location. A crop monitor button can be configured to e- mail
a manager any information.
[0071] In a further non-limiting embodiment, a method for recovering an application monitor's
session is provided. The system 1 can provide session continuance where, in the case
of terminal error on the mobile computer 4 or loss of connection, the session is able
to be recovered. The mobile computer 4 sends status information to the host module
2. This information is retained by the host module 2, or other part of the system
1, as the information is captured. The status can be reconstructed from status information
and sent back to the mobile computer 4 where it is used by the mobile computer 4 to
retrace an application monitor's survey. A restart application button may be provided
as an additional menu item.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 6, a grove 600 having two adjacent soil regions, soil A and
soil B, is shown. The soil A and soil B regions are rendered from shape files 12 (not
shown). The shapes are made by using end points that describe a particular polygon
or shape for a soil region. The shape files 12 may have numerous end points, and the
end points may stretch over long distances. In order to limit the number of shape
files 12 that are sent to an application monitor's mobile device 4 (not shown), the
visual information system determines which shape files 12 are within a certain distance
of the crop points. For example, by viewing the image, it is clear that soil A is
near the grove 600 and that soil B is further away. Using a preselected threshold
value, the system can find each of the furthest points of each soil shape or polygon,
as compared to the grove point information, to determine if the soil should be used
on the map. In this case, soil A has a furthest point A and a furthest point B, and
soil B has a furthest point X and a furthest point Y. As can be seen in FIG. 6, if
a threshold distance (represented by circle 602 having a radius) around the grove
is used, the system 1 will use any polygon where one of the polygon's furthest points
is within the threshold distance 602. As shown, point X is within the threshold distance
of grove 600. Therefore, using the threshold technique, soil B would be included and
soil A would not.
[0073] With continued reference to FIG. 6, a further non-limiting embodiment for determining
what soil shape data to include, by calculating points using an active soil technique,
will be described. In the active soil technique, the visual information system determines
active soil shapes using polygons, represented by polygon 604 and polygon 608. These
polygons are formulated using the outermost points of the shape data for a corresponding
soil shape. As shown in FIG. 6, polygon 604 around soil A intersects the grove 600,
and therefore soil A is determined to be an active soil. Because soil B is not intersecting
the grove within polygon 608, soil B is not an active soil. In this example, only
the active soils are sent from the host module 2 to the mobile computer 4 as previously
discussed with reference to FIGS. Ia and Ib.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 7, a method of calculating a buffer 71 to be rendered about
a shape polygon 70 is shown. As described herein, the buffer 71 defines a boundary
around the internal polygon 70. As shown, program instructions provide points at steps
around the outside of the internal polygon 70. Points are at a specified distance
from the polygon 70, where the distance is equal to the buffer setback distance 72.
For conceptual purposes, a circle 73 is shown in FIG. 7 having a diameter equal to
the buffer setback distance 72. For example, if the buffer setback distance 72 is
300 feet, the system would use a circle having a diameter of 300 feet. The system
then steps along the outside edges of the shape polygon, marking the outermost points
of the circle 73 at each step. For example, using a step of 10 feet, enough distance
is provided between points to create an accurate buffer. The accuracy of the buffer
71 may be increased by decreasing the step to a smaller distance, for example, one
foot. As the system steps along the edges of the lines formed from the comers of the
polygon 70 (e.g., points x, y, z, zz), in this case a grove polygon 70, it stores
the points in a data structure such as an array. The movement continues along the
line until the system hits the last point necessary for creating the buffer 71. The
system moves until it hits the next point. If no portion of the circle 73 falls within
the internal polygon 70, the system keeps the point in the array and starts on the
next line segment. Alternatively, when any portion of the circle (e.g., point j) falls
within the grove polygon 70, the system determines it has moved too far in this direction
and reverts back to the last point. Next, the system determines the bearing, and moves
to the starting point in the next line segment that has a point that is not within
the polygon.
[0075] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the mobile computer 4 is
configured to provide, or retrieve from the host module 2, calculations relating to
crop growth probabilities based on information drawn from publicly available soil
databases (i.e., the Harmonized World Soil Database). Using this database, a mobile
computer 4 may be configured to determine a user's GPS location, send the location
to the host module 2, and receive information relating to the soil present in that
area. The information may include, but is not limited to, a probable mix of the soil
including pH, sand, silt, gravel, organic content, slope density, drainage, and other
characteristics and matter. The host module 2, or the mobile computer 4 after receiving
the requisite data, calculates the growth probability of a particular crop in that
area based on the soil information. A forecast is then provided to the user on the
mobile interface 300, showing how well a particular crop is expected to grow at that
location.
[0076] In one non-limiting embodiment, the mobile computer 4, possibly through the mobile
computer interface 300, provides a "best crop" function to determine, based on a plurality
of databases and other information sources, the ideal crop or crops to grow in a particular
area based on soil conditions and other data. This function allows farmers and others
to make educated decisions regarding their yearly crop plots. This "best crop" function
may consider data that includes, but is not limited to, soil type, including levels
of nutrients and other compounds, as well as ground water data, drainage data, aridity
data, expected weather conditions and historical data. An algorithm weighs the desired
factors, along with other specified inputs, to provide advice to farmers. Data may
be extracted from a variety of sources to formulate suggestions and/or advice.
[0077] As an example, the "best crop" function may use the Harmonized World Soil Database
to retrieve soil information and determine a mix index. The mix index is a number
that corresponds to the growth potential for one or more crops in an area. After the
mix index is determined, other information, such as rainfall, temperature, humidity,
heat index and other relevant data, are factored in to further narrow the list of
crops with the best potential for growth. The final result of these calculations provides
farmers with a list of crops that will grow in their specific area, with a percentage
probability for success during the upcoming date ranges. For example, the results
displayed to a user of the "best crop" function may specify that corn has a 92% chance
of growing between September 15 and September 30, an 86% chance of growing between
October 1 and October 15, and an 80% chance of growing between October 16 and October
30. Further functionalities of the "best crop" feature may include profitability determinations
that, for example, consider current futures/commodities prices and local supply and
demand data. Numerous other sets of data can be incorporated into the "best crop"
function to enable farmers to maximize the profitability and use of their land. In
an embodiment of this particular feature, the "best crop" determinations can be performed
on any computing device having access to the required databases.
[0078] In a further, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the mobile computer 4, possibly
through the mobile computer interface 300, supports a global regulatory inspection
function to confirm compliance with designated buffer zones. The global regulatory
inspection function allows farmers, working with a government entity, to designate
areas for genetically modified test crops. The function serves as a due-diligence
and auditing tool, capturing location data, field area data, buffer area data, pictures,
and other forms of data related to the surveyed field. Such functionality may be used
for bioscience field surveys to eliminate the need for surveyors to carry multiple
items/tools into the field in order to complete a survey of the area. The global regulatory
inspection function collects data in order to confirm buffers used by farmers to designate
areas for genetically modified crops. The global regulatory inspection function will
allow surveyors to gather data and automatically generate reports once the area survey
is complete, saving time and effort. This function ensures compliance with USDA buffer
requirements and other regulations affecting agriculture by confirming locations of
buffers and modified crops. This function can also help a farmer or surveyor prove
that a sufficient buffer surrounds the crops and that, further, there is no danger
of cross-pollination.
[0079] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the mobile computer
4 is configured to determine (or receive a determination from a remote computer) the
impact genetically modified crops will have in terms of the amount of land used and
expected yields. This functionality allows individuals to assess a large area and
determine the extent of the impact that genetically modified crops will have on the
land, such as the amount of land that the crop can be grown on compared to the amount
of land that a comparable, unmodified crop can be grown on. For example, in many areas
of the world, salinity levels in the soil significantly reduce the types and amounts
of crops that may be grown. If a strain of rice is genetically modified to be more
tolerant to saline soil, farmers may have to determine whether it is more profitable
to grow the modified strain on a larger plot of land than an unmodified strain on
the plots of land with lower salinity levels. By accessing information stored in databases
regarding soil conditions, this function may analyze large areas of land to calculate
the impact that genetically modified crops will have, and whether such crops will
be more profitable based on the amount of land they can be grown on.
[0080] "Mobile computer" or "mobile device", as used herein, refers to the appropriate processing
mechanisms and computer-readable media for storing and executing computer-readable
instructions from the field, such as programming instructions, code and the like.
As shown in FIG. 2, mobile computers 200, 244, in a computing system environment 202
are provided. This computing system environment 202 may include, but is not limited
to, at least one computer 200 having certain components for appropriate operation,
execution of code, and creation and communication of data. For example, the computer
200 includes a processing unit 204 (typically referred to as a central processing
unit or CPU) that serves to execute computer-based instructions received in the appropriate
data form and format. Further, this processing unit 204 may be in the form of multiple
processors executing code in series, in parallel, or in any other manner for appropriate
implementation of the computer- based instructions. In order to facilitate appropriate
data communication and processing information between the various components of the
computer 200, a system bus 206 is utilized.
[0081] The computer 200 may also include a variety of discrete computer-readable media components.
For example, these computer-readable media components may include any media that can
be accessed by the computer 200, such as volatile media, non-volatile media, removable
media, non-removable media, etc. As a further example, the computer-readable media
may include computer storage media, such as media implemented in any method or technology
for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, or other data, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs), or other optical disk storage,
magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and
which can be accessed by the computer 200. Further, this computer- readable media
may include communications media, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, or other transport mechanisms and include any information delivery
media, wired media (such as a wired network and a direct-wired connection), and wireless
media (such as acoustic signals, radio frequency signals, optical signals, infrared
signals, biometric signals, bar code signals, etc.). Of course, combinations of any
of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
The computer can be implemented as a compact mobile device and can include an antenna,
such as implemented in any method or technology for mobile communication that can
communicate with a mobile network interconnected with the host module 2 as seen in
FIGS. Ia and Ib.
[0082] The computer 200 further includes a system memory 208 with computer storage media
in the form of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as ROM and RAM.
[0083] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the computer 200 may also include other removable
or non-removable, volatile or non-volatile computer storage media products. For example,
the computer 200 may include a non-removable memory interface 210 that communicates
with and controls a hard disk drive 212, i.e., a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic
medium; and a removable, non-volatile memory interface 214 that communicates with
and controls a magnetic disk drive unit 216 (which reads from and writes to a removable,
non-volatile magnetic disk 218), an optical disk drive unit 220 (which reads from
and writes to a removable, non-volatile optical disk 222, such as a CD ROM), a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) port 221 for use in connection with a removable memory card, etc.
However, it is envisioned that other removable or non-removable, volatile or non-volatile
computer storage media can be used in the exemplary computing system environment 200,
including, but not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, DVDs, digital video tape,
solid state RAM, solid state ROM, etc. These various removable or non-removable, volatile
or non- volatile magnetic media are in communication with the processing unit 204
and other components of the computer 200 via the system bus 206. The drives and their
associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 2 provide
storage of operating systems, computer-readable instructions, application programs,
data structures, program modules, program data and other instruction-based computer-readable
code for the computer 200 (whether duplicative or not of this information and data
in the system memory 208).
[0084] A user (such as an application monitor) may enter commands, information, and data
into the computer 200 through certain attachable or operable input devices, such as
a keyboard 224, a mouse 226, etc., via a mobile computer input interface 228. Of course,
a variety of such input devices may be utilized, e.g., a microphone, a trackball,
a joystick, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a scanner, etc., including any arrangement
that facilitates the input of data, and information to the computer 200 from an outside
source. As discussed, these and other input devices are often connected to the processing
unit 204 through the mobile computer input interface 228 coupled to the system bus
206, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel
port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). Still further, data and information
can be presented or provided to a mobile computer in an intelligible form or format
through certain output devices, such as a computer display system 230 (to visually
display this information and data in electronic form), a printer 232 (to physically
display this information and data in print form), a speaker 234 (to audibly present
this information and data in audible form), etc. All of these devices are in communication
with the computer 200 through an output interface 236 coupled to the system bus 206.
It is envisioned that any such peripheral output devices be used to provide information
and data to the mobile computer.
[0085] The computer 200 may operate in a network environment 238 through the use of a communications
device 240, which is integral to the computer or remote therefrom. This communications
device 240 is operable by and in communication to the other components of the computer
200 through a communications interface 242. Using such an arrangement, the computer
200 may connect with or otherwise communicate with one or more remote computers, such
as a remote computer 244, which may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a
network personal computer, a peer device, or other common network nodes, and typically
includes many or all of the components described above in connection with the computer
200. Using appropriate communication devices 240, e.g., a modem, a network interface
or adapter, etc., the computer 200 may operate within and communication through a
local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), but may also include other
networks such as a virtual private network (VPN), an office network, an enterprise
network, an intranet, the Internet, etc. It will be appreciated that the network connections
shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between
the computers 200, 244 may be used. Other services can be provided such as standalone
or assisted global positioning system (GPS) operation using radio signals from satellites
alone or preprocessed satellite signals. Assisted GPS additionally uses network resources
to locate and utilize the satellites faster as well as better in poor signal conditions.
[0086] As used herein, the computer 200 includes or is operable to execute appropriate custom-designed
or conventional software to perform and implement the processing steps of the method
and system of the present invention, thereby, forming a specialized and particular
computing system. Accordingly, the presently-invented method and system may include
one or more computers 200 or similar computing devices having a computer-readable
storage medium capable of storing computer-readable program code or instructions that
cause the processing unit 202 to execute, configure or otherwise implement the methods,
processes, and transformational data manipulations discussed hereinafter in connection
with the present invention. Still further, the computer 200 as discussed previously
can be a mobile computer 2 as shown in FIG. 2. The mobile computer can be in the form
of an iPad, iPhone, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a portable
computer, a laptop, a palmtop, a mobile device, a mobile telephone, a server, or any
other type of computing device having the necessary processing hardware to appropriately
process data to effectively implement the presently-invented computer-implemented
method and system.
[0087] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration
based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,
it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention
is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to
cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention
contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment
can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
[0088] According to embodiment 1 there is provided a system for providing visual crop data
to a mobile device, the system comprising at least one server computer in communication
with a mobile device, the at least one server computer configured to: receive, from
the mobile device, location data relating to a geographical position of the mobile
device; retrieve, from at least one topographical data source, topographical data
associated with at least a portion of the location data; generate shape data based
at least partially on the topographical data; and transmit at least a portion of the
shape data to the mobile device, such that at least one shape is visually displayed
on at least a portion of a map image displayed on the mobile device, wherein the at
least one shape is based at least partially on the at least a portion of the shape
data.
[0089] According to embodiment 2 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 1, the
at least one shape at least partially indicates at least one region, the at least
one region comprising at least one of the following: soil region, crop region, geographic
region, or any combination thereof.
[0090] According to embodiment 3 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 2, at least
one buffer region is displayed in relation to the at least one region.
[0091] According to embodiment 4 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 3, a location
of the at least one buffer region in relation to the at least one soil region is at
least partially determined by at least one of the following: regulatory requirements,
water sources, crop type, crop treatment applications, or any combination thereof.
[0092] According to embodiment 5 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 1, at least
a portion of the topographical data comprises Extensible Markup Language (XML) data,
and wherein at least part of the XML data at least partially represents at least one
of the following: mark, image, polygon, three- dimensional models, textual descriptions,
geographical coordinates, or any combination thereof.
[0093] According to embodiment 6 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 1, at least
one buffer region is displayed in relation to at least one of the following: protected
area, water source, animal habitat, or any combination thereof.
[0094] According to embodiment 7 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 3, at least
one of a size, shape, and location of the at least one buffer region is influenced
by wind speed data, and wherein the wind speed data is retrieved from at least one
of the mobile device and an external data source.
[0095] According to embodiment 8 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 1, the
at least one topographical data source is at least one of the following: the Harmonized
World Soil Database, the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, or any combination
thereof.
[0096] According to embodiment 9 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 1, the
at least one server computer is further configured to: receive field area data relating
to the geographical position of the mobile device, wherein the field area data is
received from at least one of the following: the mobile device, the at least one topographical
data source, a local data source, a remote data source, or any combination thereof;
and determine, based at least partially on regulatory data and the field area data,
regulatory compliance data relating to at least one crop area, wherein the regulatory
compliance data indicates whether the at least one crop area is in compliance with
at least one regulation.
[0097] According to embodiment 10 there is provided a computer program product comprising
at least one computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium comprising a program
which, when executed by a device having a processor and at least one display unit,
causes the device to: transmit location data to at least one host, the location data
representing a geographic location; receive shape data representing at least one shape,
the at least one shape at least partially corresponding to at least one specific region,
wherein at least a portion of the at least one region is included in at least a portion
of a geographic region; and display, in combination with a visual representation of
at least a portion of the geographic region active within the at least one display
unit, at least a portion of the at least one shape.
[0098] According to embodiment 11 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
device comprises a mobile computer, and wherein the geographic location is at least
partially based on a physical location of the mobile computer.
[0099] According to embodiment 12 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
program further causes the device to display at least one buffer region in relation
to the at least one shape.
[0100] According to embodiment 13 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 12, at
least one of a location, size, and shape of the at least one buffer region is determined
by at least one of the following: regulatory requirements, water sources, crop type,
crop treatment applications, or any combination thereof.
[0101] According to embodiment 14 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
at least one region comprises at least one soil region classified by at least one
of the following: soil composition, crop type, mineral level, altitude, specified
geometric boundary, salinity, or any combination thereof.
[0102] According to embodiment 15 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
program further causes the device to display at least one suggested crop type for
at least a portion of the geographic region.
[0103] According to embodiment 16 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 15, the
at least one selected crop type is at least partially determined from at least one
of the following: a best crop database, the geographic location, a soil type or composition
associated with at least a portion of the geographic region, rainfall data associated
with at least a portion of the geographic region, temperature data associated with
at least a portion of the geographic region, salinity levels associated with at least
a portion of the geographic region, or any combination thereof.
[0104] According to embodiment 17 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
program further causes the device to perform at least one of the following steps:
display regulatory compliance information for at least one crop area, wherein at least
a portion of the regulatory compliance information is determined at least partially
from field area data inputted into the device; transmit compliance information related
to at least one inspection region to at least one regulatory authority, wherein at
least a portion of the compliance information comprises at least one of the following:
an image or video of at least a portion of the at least one inspection region, inputted
data, wind speed data, altitude data or any combination thereof; generate a regulatory
compliance report for at least one inspection region, wherein the at least one inspection
region includes at least a portion of the geographic region, and wherein the regulatory
compliance report is generated at least partially from at least one of inputted data
and data received from the at least one host; or any combination thereof.
[0105] According to embodiment 18 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
program further causes the device to display impact data configured to represent an
estimated impact that at least one genetically modified crop will have on at least
a portion of land associated with the geographic location.
[0106] According to embodiment 19 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 18, the
estimated impact is at least partially determined from an amount of the at least a
portion of land that the at least one genetically modified crop can be grown on, and
wherein the estimated impact at least partially comprises at least one of the following:
crop production impact of growing the at least one genetically modified crop on the
at least a portion of land, profit impact for growing the at least one genetically
modified crop on the at least a portion of land, or any combination thereof.
[0107] According to embodiment 20 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 10, the
program further causes the device to display a graphical user interface comprising
at least one of the following: zoom tool, search tool, directional movement tool,
scope, compass, point placement tool, or any combination thereof.
[0108] According to embodiment 21 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 20, the
graphical user interface comprises the point placement tool, and wherein the point
placement tool accepts user input and, based at least partially on the user input,
causes at least one point to be displayed on the device, the at least one point associated
with at least one geographic coordinate and a characteristic associated with the at
least one geographic coordinate.
[0109] According to embodiment 22 there is provided a computer-implemented method performed
on at least one computer system including at least one processor, the method comprising:
receiving, from a mobile device, location data relating to a geographical position
of the mobile device; identifying topographical data relating at least partially to
the geographical position; and transmitting, to the mobile device, map data and shape
data, wherein the map data allows the mobile device to display a visual image representing
a geographical region at least partially corresponding to the geographical position,
and wherein the shape data is configured to cause the mobile device to display at
least one shape representing at least a portion of at least one specified area, and
wherein the geographical region includes the at least a portion of the at least one
specified area.
[0110] According to embodiment 23 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 22, the
method further comprising displaying at least one buffer region in relation to the
at least one shape.
[0111] According to embodiment 24 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 23, at
least one of a position, shape, and size of the at least one buffer region is at least
partially determined by at least one of the following: regulatory requirements, water
sources, crop type, crop treatment applications, or any combination thereof.
[0112] According to embodiment 25 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 23, at
least one of a size, shape, and location of the at least one buffer region is influenced
by wind speed data, and wherein the wind speed data is received from at least one
of the mobile device and an external data source.
[0113] According to embodiment 26 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 23, an
outer perimeter of the at least one buffer region is generated by calculating a predetermined
distance from an outer perimeter of the at least one shape.
[0114] According to embodiment 27 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 22, the
method further comprising converting at least a portion of the topographical data
to Extensible Markup Language (XML) data, wherein at least a portion of the XML data
at least partially represents at least one of the following: mark, image, polygon,
three- dimensional models, textual descriptions, geographical coordinates, or any
combination thereof.
[0115] According to embodiment 28 which includes the subject matter of embodiment 22, the
method further comprising: receiving field area data relating to the geographical
position of the mobile device, wherein the field area data is received from at least
one of the following: the mobile device, the at least one topographical data source,
a local data source, a remote data source, or any combination thereof; and determining,
based at least partially on regulatory data and the field area data, regulatory compliance
data relating to at least one crop area, wherein the regulatory compliance data indicates
whether the at least one crop area is in compliance with at least one regulation.